“Be still and know that I am God” Psalm 46: 10

In the year of our Lord 2011, 29 people gathered together in the chapel of Christ Presbyterian Church. It was a diverse group. There were Roman Catholics, Lutherans, Episcopalians, Evangelical Free Church folks, Presbyterians and non-churched folks present. Mostly, we were of an age where we knew that we did not have all the answers. We had one thing in common: we hungered and thirsted for God’s presence and action in our life. We gathered to take part in the “Introduction to Centering Prayer” workshop. 

The method of Centering Prayer is simple really: sit in silence for twenty minutes twice a day and consent to God’s action and presence in our life. However, as we all know, finding twenty minutes for silence every day is quite a challenge; for folks who are raising small children, it is almost impossible. Further, folks get nervous about what seems like doing “nothing.”

What we discovered is that practicing this prayer method is not doing nothing. We are making time, taking time, to foster a relationship with God. All good friendships, all healthy relationships, need “hang out” time in order to develop. The twenty minutes of Centering Prayer helps us get beyond our superficial thoughts, the internal chatter that takes up so much space in our lives. Twenty minutes twice a day is necessary for most people to establish interior silence- to become awake and alert to God’s action and presence in our lives. As Fr. Thomas Keating says, when we become more awake and alert to God’s presence and action in our lives, it is like adding “color to a black and white television screen.”

It was a wonderful day with many blessings. But don’t take my word for it. Here are some comments from the participants: 

• Seeing the time spent in Centering Prayer as the time I was using to develop a relationship with God was very helpful.

• Hearing how others experience Centering Prayer gave me strength and hope to continue the practice. 

• This day reminded me that while I am ready to start this, I also need to do this. I have come to a place where this is the most important thing I can do- reestablish my relationship with God.

• I needed this workshop! It helped to hear that others struggle (with the practice) and how they deal with those struggles.

• Disengaging from thoughts flying around in my mind during the first Centering prayer period was tough. So…hearing more about practical steps to deal with those (pesky) thoughts was great!

• I was reminded of how the group experience really does add something to the practice

We will offer this Centering Prayer workshop again on October 28, 2023. So if this floats your boat, please keep an eye out for it.

Peace,
Pastor Glen

“Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.”
Romans 12:12

We exist as a congregation to know Jesus Christ and to make Him known:

• To proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ so all may come to know and love Him;
• To nurture His people in joyful faith, fellowship, and commitment; and
• To demonstrate His way of love in service to the world.

We use the Connector to share news of the coming week and beyond, the activities that involve a wide range of ages and interests at FPC.

At the latest Session meeting the Choir Director position was offered to Jamison Wendlandt and we are happy to announce that he has accepted!

Jamison Wendlandt has been a Wisconsin resident most of his life, growing up near Chetek. He briefly lived in Saint Paul, MN where he worked as a Training Specialist for Infinite Campus and directed the Sanctuary Choir at St. Philip’s Lutheran Church. Before moving to Minnesota Jamison taught choir, digital music, musical theater, and adaptive music at Milton High School from 2019-2022. Jamison graduated from UW-Eau Claire with a Bachelor of Music Education with a Choral emphasis and now works for the University of Wisconsin-Madison providing precollege experiences for high school students. He is also working on a Master’s degree in Curriculum & Instruction through the University. Jamison is so excited to be joining the FPC team, not only for his love of choral music, but also because of his pursuit of using the gifts God has given him in service to Him and others. Jamison enjoys traveling and making connections with those around him, especially when it means inspiring people to view the beauty in God’s creation and of course, music. When you see him, please say “hi” and if you have any questions about joining the choir, feel free to reach out!

Our FPC Library has some new treasures, thanks to the generous donations of a number of people. Please stop by the “New Books” table in the Gathering Space and see what’s there. Browse! Check one out! Write a review to tell others!

Questions? Call or email Alice Honeywell — 608-692-5496; ajhoneywell@wisc.edu

Nursery Age 2 and Under – Room 200

The Nursery is available on Sundays from 9:00 – 11:00 AM, is staffed by church volunteers who love children and want to share God’s love with them.

3-year-olds through Kindergarten will be dismissed after the Children’s message during Sunday service throughout the Summer.

Roxy and Alan Fauque moved to Wisconsin 7 years ago from Bozeman, MT to follow their daughter Emily. Since then, they have a son-in- law and 2 precious grandchildren as well. Both are retired music teachers and have performed together in social events and as contemporary worship musicians. 

Roxy prepared 126 sixth graders to perform a premier composition at Carnegie Hall in New York City. She also was honored with a Yale Distinguished Music Educator award. Upon arriving in Mount Horeb, she taught music in the schools for 4 more years.

Alan has performed in a myriad of venues and genres. He is currently performing with the All That Jazz big band and Whoz Playing, a classic rock band. 

Meet in the main Indian Lake parking lot. Text Christa if you have a question on weather or can’t find it on the day of: 608-208-3265

Summer Family Fire Pit, Outdoor Movie and for those who desire – a Campout at FPC! Bring your own dinner to cook over the fire at 6pm (like hotdogs!) and we’ll provide the s’mores. The movie will start at 7pm, and for those who would like to camp, please RSVP to Christa: cschmeelk@myfpc.org– and she’ll get you the details.